Our society is gradually aging, leading to an increase in the number of dementia patients. While the exact mechanisms and causes of dementia remain unclear, it's estimated that about 70% of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is caused by the excessive accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain.
To prevent dementia, experts emphasize the importance of paying attention to the accumulation of beta-amyloid, and for this, melatonin plays a crucial role in removing brain waste.
Melatonin: The Hero of Brain Cleaning
Our brains continuously function to regulate all our actions and thoughts. However, in the process of generating the energy needed for this, unnecessary substances like beta-amyloid are produced. When these unnecessary substances accumulate in the brain, nerve cells get damaged, leading to brain disorders such as dementia.
Fortunately, our bodies have a hormone called melatonin for this brain cleaning task. Melatonin flows between nerve cells through the cerebrospinal fluid, removing toxic substances like beta-amyloid. This cleansing process is crucial for maintaining brain health. Research has shown that mice given high doses of melatonin significantly increased the excretion of beta-amyloid and reduced the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain.
Melatonin functions to protect the mitochondria of brain nerve cells from reactive oxygen species, inhibiting brain aging, and has various functions in preventing brain degeneration by suppressing various neurotoxins acting on the brain.
Melatonin Deficiency and Dementia Risk
Modern lifestyles make people prone to melatonin deficiency due to factors like lack of sleep, stress, and irregular habits. Especially as aging progresses, the secretion of melatonin decreases, which is associated with health issues and particularly an increased risk of dementia.
To ensure an adequate supply of melatonin, having regular sleep patterns and exposure to natural light are important. Since melatonin is secreted as darkness sets in, it's advisable to avoid bright lights and create a calm, dark environment before sleep. Additionally, taking melatonin supplements is a useful method. It's recommended to take them regularly about 2 hours before bedtime, with a daily dosage of 2-5mg.
Recently, plant-based melatonin products that can be purchased without a prescription have also appeared on the market. These products, extracted from natural ingredients such as rice bran, chlorella, and Japanese pagoda tree, have fewer concerns about resistance and residual compounds compared to synthetic melatonin.
Dementia is a serious issue in modern society, and the importance of melatonin in its prevention and treatment is being highlighted. Maintaining melatonin secretion through regular sleep and activities in natural environments, and utilizing supplements when necessary, is crucial for preventing brain disorders like dementia.
